Soccer: Time to “Impeach” Coelho

Criticism is rising against Humberto Coelho, the head coach of the country’s national soccer team, as the Korean team was held to a 0-0 draw by the Maldives team, one of the world’s weakest. Not only the Korea Football Association (KFA), but also soccer experts and fans have begun to strongly question the Portuguese coach’s leadership, to the point that some began to suggest he should resign.

Coelho’s leadership was brought under a barrage of criticism in October of last year when Korea lost to Vietnam 0-1 and Oman 1-3. As his team ended a match in a draw with the Maldives, ranked 142nd in the FIFA, the case for his “impeachment” is naturally gaining a hearing.

The KFA plans to hold a technology committee meeting to discuss the Maldives shock as soon as the national team returns home.

Hiddink vs. Coelho—

In 2002, Gus Hiddink, the Dutch soccer coach, led the Korean team to one of the world’s best four position with his strong charismatic control over players and shocked the world along the way. “You cannot compare Hiddink with Coelho,” Yi Yong-su, a soccer commentary for the Korea Broadcasting System and professor at Sejong University. “The current situation is different because back then, Hiddink was held completely responsible for the players and fully supported.”

Nevertheless, many commentators agree that Coach Coelho lacked charisma. He does not sufficiently control his players. His strategy is unclear. There is poor communication with players and poor division of labor among coaching staff. His relations with the KFA, his supposedly staunch ally, are passive at best.

Widespread Complacency among Players and the KFA—

“It is now a commercial incentive, not commitment or patriotism, that is driving players,” said a people close to the KFA. “What were updated during the FIFA World Cup were not their skills but their eyes for commercial gain,” Shin Moon-seon, the soccer commentator at the Seoul Broadcasting System, quipped. The technology committee is also harshly criticized for its less than sufficient job in selecting players for the national teams and scheduling their training.

What Future Holds for Coelho—

“Under the contract, Coelho’s term is guaranteed until the Asian Cup scheduled for July,” the KFA said while it made it clear that he wouldn’t be removed from his post. However, more and more soccer experts are beginning to believe that public distrust and disappoint with him appear to be too widespread to be ignored.

“I will take responsibility for everything. This outcome won’t repeat,” said Coelho after the game. The national team will have an exhibit match with the Paraguayan team on April 28. On June 8, it will battle the Vietnamese in a third-round qualifying match for the 2006 World Cup.

Time is running out for Coelho.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com